Knights comeback to beat Booker 22-20
Robinson make a second half comeback to improve their record to 3-2
Photo Jack Kirk
Jay Sawyer (’22) runs a kick back.
September 30, 2019
After falling to a 13-0 deficit, the Knights rallied back in the second half to win the game 22-20.
The first quarter was uneventful and riddled with penalties, with both teams failing to score. And the second quarter saw the Tornadoes run the ball on the Knights with much success, scoring two rushing touchdowns and making it a 13-0 game going into the second half.
The Knights were unable to efficiently stop the run, and it was clear that adjustments needed to be made if they were to win the game.
By the results of the second half, it is clear that those adjustments were made. Booker did not see the same level of success, with Robinson stopping the running back in the back field on more than one occasion and cutting their drives much shorter than in the first half.
“We stepped up the second half,” Said captain and defensive lineman Destin Tuburcio (’20). “We had to play ball this game and we just did it, we did it as a group.”
The offense also had more life in the second half, with the coaching staff deciding to sub in quarterback Rickeem Parks (’22). Parks threw three passing touchdowns in the second half and had 256 yards through the air on the night.
“It feels good leading my team to a big win,” Parks said.
The Knights brought the score to 16-13 after a pair of touchdowns and a field goal. Booker, however, responded with a touchdown of their own with six minutes left. But the Knights would not relent, grabbing the lead again with the third Parks touchdown of the night.
The Tornadoes would not lie down and call it a night though. They marched down the field and got within fifteen yards of the end zone. The game was decided on a pass meant for one of the Booker receivers who ended up bobbling the pass, and Robinson defensive back Levi Mcaffee (’21) picked the ball out of the air, marking his fifth interception of the year, and gave the Knights possession.
With less than a minute left, the Knights burned the clock out and walked away with a 22-20 victory.
“We kept fighting throughout the whole game and we stuck in there and got what we deserved,” Captain running back Clayton Lee (’20) said.
This made the Knights’ third straight win, putting them at a 3-2 record going into the homecoming game against Newsome on Friday, October 4. (6311 S Lois Ave, Tampa, FL 33616)
Marc McAffee • Nov 4, 2019 at 10:14 am
Jack,
Good morning and I hope all is well. While I have read most of your pieces, it is as though you do not know that you have a Top 5 in the “State” for interceptions- Corner Back Leviticus McAffee on your team. See Max Preps: https://www.maxpreps.com/leaders/football/defense,interceptions/florida/stat-leaders.htm?classyear=all&position=cb .
Even though you mention him, it is as though it is an afterthought. He has (6) interceptions which make him the #5 Corner Back with interception in the state, and #1 in Tampa, #1 in the Conference, and #2 in the Bay Area. He has been to 5 visits, to Universities this year to include GT like Steven Verdisco. TBT listed him as the #1 CB for interception in 5 articels. He is also a 1st team All, county Corner Back. It would be good to see, as a close to the season perhaps an article about accomplishment for the team. Get them all and really highlight the Stat leaders.
Jack Kirk • Nov 7, 2019 at 11:49 am
Hello Mr. Mcaffee,
I agree that it would be a good idea to do a recap for some of our outstanding players, such as Leviticus. I actually highlighted him in our first print issue of the year in our “Star Showcase” section which was published a couple of weeks ago. I wrote a story on the game against Plant and used that as a bit of a season recap, but I definitely left out some of the key pieces to the team. As we move into the winter sports season, I will see if I can maybe squeeze in a story recapping some of our star players. I appreciate your feedback.